On a recent trip to Palau U.S. Interior Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech announced $5,192,241 to protect coral reefs and natural resources, and combat invasive species like the brown tree snake.

The funding is provided through the Office of Insular Affairs for projects intended to benefit American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

Domenech was in Palau at a U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting.

The projects include:

• $2.9 million to combat the invasive brown tree snake on Guam;
• $243,750 to enhance ecosystems and food security in Pohnpei;
• $170,039 to complete a detailed bathymetric mapping of the outer reef slope of the main Palau Island group and within the lagoon; and
• $124,435 to fund participation and engagement in regional Coral Reef Initiative meetings.